For the past few weeks I have had to read the scandalous headlines regarding Greece Police Officer Nicholas Joseph. The media has sensationalized this sad case on a daily basis. It is always the lead story on whichever television channel or newspaper you see. It is an unfortunate accident. However, there are dozens of DWI accidents that occur on a daily basis and the media doesn’t sensationalize them. Yes, a police officer should know better as they are held to a higher standard. But a police officer is also human. Humans make mistakes. Why is the media so biased when it comes to reporting? Where is the outrage and media sensationalism for John Lightfoot, a City Council Member with three DWI’s on his record? Why aren’t City residents asking for his resignation? Why isn’t this the lead news story?

“As many of you know, I lost my very close friend Michelle Cervone last March 12th due to a 4 year battle with Colon Cancer. Since last year, her friends and family have created “Michelle Marie’s Mission” or “M3″….a non-profit where we are raising awareness in young people. Our fundraising goal is to provide laptop computers for use by cancer patients in the local hospitals.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and since it is the first anniversary as well, we have been busy making bracelets to raise money. If you are interested please check them out and let her know. Also please pass this onto anyone who might be interested! I know times are tough right now, so thanks for your time. ”

Michelle Marie Cervone was 26 years old in 2004 when she was diagnosed with Stage VI Colon Cancer. In March 2008, Michelle lost the battle to this horrific disease. Most people believe that Colon Cancer is a disease that only affects older people. One of Michelleʼs goals during her four year battle was to make as many people as possible aware that Colon Cancer is not age discriminate and that anyone no matter how young a person is, they can get Colon Cancer.

Michelle was born and raised in Hilton, NY. She was at one time a nail technician, who had her own business in Hilton, NY. She was a member of the Colon Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of colorectal cancer in out-of-the-box ways. Their goals are to educate as many people as possible, as early as possible, about the risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer, and for people to get screened when it’s appropriate for them. She was a model for their June 2006 Calendar.

Caurie Putnam covers Greece and the rest of the west-side as the "West Extra" columnist for Our Towns. She is a proud west-side resident of two little boys who is in Greece often for yoga at Breathe, skate sharpening at Locker Room Sports, hockey games at Lakeshore, and much more. To share upcoming Greece events and items of interest with Caurie please email her at caurie@urgrad.rochester.edu or contact her on Twitter @CauriePutnam